News Bulletin

1st August 2016

National Press:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Matta Residents Demand Construction Of Schools

Residents of more than 20 villages have urged the relevant authorities to construct schools for their children in tehsil Matta, Swat. “We proudly declare ourselves a nuclear power but do not have enough schools to educate our children,” a local told The Express Tribune.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser announced that a new cadet college will be established in Topi, Swabi. This was while he was addressing a public gathering at Gadoon Industrial Estate in Swabi on Saturday. According to Qaiser, the new cadet college will focus on enhancing technical education.

The students to bag the top nine positions were girls as the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Abbottabad, announced the results of the Higher Secondary School Certificate Examinations here on Sunday. Controller of Examinations Jehanzeb Khan said that 31,420 students appeared in the examination, out of which 21,238 passed. In the pre-medical category, Eman Aslam of Peace College in Mansehra got the top position with 977 marks, while Syeda Misbah Noor of PIPS Abbottabad with 974 marks came in second, and Urooj Arshad of Mansehra Public School & College secured third position with 972 marks.

Cadet College Kohat students have clinched the top three positions in the Intermediate Part-II examination results announced on Friday. Muhammad Waqar, BISE Controller Examinations, unveiled the names of the position holders. Muhammad Idris of Kohat Cadet College secured 1,020 marks while Muhammad Usman obtained 999 marks and Hasnain Hamid of the same college got 994 marks. As many as 32,538 candidates appeared in the intermediate examination, with 74.25 of them achieving passing marks.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Dera Ismail Khan announced the FA/FSc 2016 examination results on Friday. A female student of Saint Helens Higher Secondary School, Faiza Zaman, secured 991 marks out of the total 1100 and topped the examination. Safiullah of the Al-Abbas Science School and College stood second by obtaining 971 marks. Sohail Babar of the Qurtaba Public School and College secured 970 marks, bagging the third position.

Female students of Jinnah College for Women (JCW) clinched the top three positions in FA/FSc results announced by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Peshawar on Saturday. According to a copy of the results available with The Express Tribune, Paghunda Mayar of JCW was the top scorer in the annual board exams.

Despite the promises of the provincial government to change the education sector in the province, the students of public colleges in the Mardan region were unable to secure exceptional positions in the Intermediate examination 2016 conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mardan. Majority of the parents of students studying in government colleges are not satisfied with the performance of state-run colleges.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Sun Weidong inaugurated the Chinese Study Centre at the University of Peshawar here on Saturday. The Centre will offer Chinese language courses, including professional diploma and degree courses for research on the regional giant from September 2016. The Centre would work under an independent director with the prime objective of encouraging and promoting research and study on the Chinese language and Chinese history and culture.

Visually impaired students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will get computers. In the first phase of the scheme, about 85 male and female students of 11 institutes for the blind will receive computers tomorrow (Monday). The distribution of computers is part of the provincial government’s programme to reform education for special students on modern lines to make them more competitive in the contemporary world.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has allocated a minimal share of education funds to poor and rural areas, compared to the urban areas of the province. The Public Financing of Education in Pakistan Analysis (2010-11 to 2015-16) report postulated and distinguished the differences clearly on the basis of budget allocation to various districts. Mardan, Peshawar, Mansehra, Swat, Abbottabad, lower Dir and Dera Ismail Khan spent more than Rs4 billion in 2014-15. On the other hand, Hangu and Torghar had an education expenditure below Rs1 billion, according to the report.

Shortage of 5th Grade’s English Version of Science and Social Studies Books

Half the academic session has already passed, but the 5th Grade’s English version of Science and Social Studies books are still not available in the market. Parents and private schools of the whole of Baluchistan are carrying out protests.

According to an announcement by Baluchistan University, BSc students who have failed in supplementary 2015 exams are advised to submit their examination form without late fee by 10thAugust 2016 and with late fee by 20th August 2016.

According to a press release by Bolan Medical College Quetta, educational activities will start from Wednesday 3 August 2016 and room allocation will be done according to the allotment list of hostels.

Mirpur University to Awards Doctorate Degree to Senior Hurriyat Leader

Mir Pur University has awarded a special doctorate degree to senior hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gillani .This degree has been awarded to Ali Gillani for his commendable efforts for the liberation of Kashmir. This degree has been presented to him on the order of President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Yaqoob khan.

Non-Muslim students will be exempted from religious education that has been made compulsory till class 12. This was said by State Minister for Education Balighur Rehman on Friday. Balighur Rehman’s comments came at the end of the eighth meeting of Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference held in Gilgit.

A series of research studies have revealed that the number of out-of-school children of primary school age has reached 12.3 million, an overall percentage of 58.88 among all primary school age children. The series titled ‘Population of Pakistan: An analysis of NSER 2010-11’ launched on Friday. It paints a dismal picture of child education, youth unemployment, disability, and living conditions of people across the country.

Upholding the legacy of Roots Millennium Schools, the Roots National Institute of Teacher Training and Education (RNITTE) has organised a two week long workshop at The Millennium University College Campus H-11/4, Islamabad. The workshop is geared towards young and aspiring Montessori teachers and all keen mothers who want to improve their understanding and knowledge related to intricacies involved in a child’s early years’ development, pedagogy and content.

Beaconhouse Newlands Islamabad Hosts a Seminar on ‘Learning In The 21st Century’

Beaconhouse Newlands Islamabad (BNI) hosted an enlightening seminar on "Learning in the 21st Century" at the Marriot Islamabad. The purpose of the seminar was to discuss how the learning needs of our students are changing with the rapidly changing world. The event commenced with the welcome note of Ayesha Kasuri, in which she proudly announced the authorization of Beaconhouse Newlands as an 'International Baccalaureate World School', which aims to provide quality education on international standards.

Ambiguity surrounds the future of Pak-Turk schools in the country. In the wake of the foiled military coup in Turkey, the country’s ambassador to Pakistan has urged for the shutdown of all Pak-Turk schools and colleges which belong to the alleged US-based ‘mastermind of the coup’, Fethullah Gulen. With the future of 10,000 students enrolled in the 28 schools and colleges spread across the country hanging in the balance, the government has to make a tough decision and so far they are employing diplomacy to steer a safe, prosperous course forward.

The Central Academic Staff Association members met Irfan Siddiqui, key adviser to the Prime Minister and head of the National History and Literary Heritage division, to seek his support and intervention for the early formulation and enforcement of a promotion formula for women teachers of Islamabad model colleges’ junior sections by the Federal Directorate of Education.

Preston University organized a condolence reference in memory of humanitarian icon Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi, according to a press release. The Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan (AHAP) joined hands with Preston to organize the referenced event at the Islamabad campus of the university.

Former students of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) have announced to set up an endowment fund to rescue their alma mater from a financial crunch. A large number of former and current Quaidians, deans, faculty members, employees, vice-chancellors of different universities, academics, media persons, and others converged at Islamabad Club on Thursday evening to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the top ranked institute of higher learning, currently facing a financial crunch.

Students Of Allama Iqbal Open University Participate in Tree Plantation Campaign

Students of Allama Iqbal Open University haveset an example by openly participating in the tree plantation campaign. More than 7000 students have participated in this campaign and each student had to plant a tree.

A ceremony was held at Air University main campus to award laptops to postgraduate students under the Prime Minister National Laptop Scheme in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC), says a press release. Chief guest, Director Quality Air Commodore (r) Abdul Wahab Motla, in his address to the audience stated that the scheme was a unique and helpful way to equip students with modern gadgets.

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is going to introduce short-term audio-video-editing training courses from next semester to provide academic support to electronic media. The books and study material have been prepared that would meet the contemporary needs of working journalists. This was stated at a briefing held by the AIOU Institute of Education Technology (IET), a press release said on Sunday.

Allama Iqbal Open University is to begin its admission from 1st August for the next academic session. Admission is open for all classes, from Matriculation to PhD. The last date for applications is 5 September.

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has stopped the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology from offering legal education programmes at their Islamabad and Karachi campuses, as the university is unrecognised. The development came during a meeting of the PBC Legal Education Committee, which took place here with its chief, Shoaib Shaheen, in the chair.

The 8th Inter-Provincial Education Ministers’ Conference (IPEMC) was held yesterday, in which representatives from all provinces mutual consented to pave the way for the betterment of education sector in future. The subjects of education programmes like brick kiln workers in Punjab, public schools sports programme, teachers training programmes, monitor and evaluation programme, reforms in non-formal education in Sindh were discussed at the conference.

The government has decided to change the procedure of CSS Examinations. From now on, for giving an exam in particular a group, it is mandatory to have a degree related to those subjects. According to the new rules, candidates who want to give CSS exams in finance and information group must have degrees in related subjects. Degree in general discipline will be accepted only for general group.

The good news for the students of Balochistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is that the students enrolled in MS/MPhil and Undergraduate Programs will get 200 and 500 scholarships respectively, the Daily Times learned recently. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently planned to provide 200 scholarships for the students of Masters and MPhil in Balochistan province and FATA region, with 100 for Balochistan and 100 for the FATA region.

The Punjab education department has lifted its ban on the transfer of teachers, which was in force for the last one year. According to reports, all teachers have been asked to contact the district education officers in case they require a transfer. Under the new policy, teachers will be able to file applications with the heads of district education departments by the 13th of August.

The Department of Education has decided to expel more than 400 Headmasters/Headmistresses of Government schools of Punjab due to students’ poor performance in exams. The lists of these heads has been created and the notifications will be given by the next week.

Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Qamar ul Islam Raja said that the partnership of Punjab Education Foundation with private schools is generating good results. Through this partnership, more than 20 lac needy children are getting free education and the quality of education of small and medium level private schools is also improving.

Ideal Public School Rawalpindi obtained 100% results in this year’s matriculation examination. The principal of the school congratulated the teachers and said that it was to their due efforts that the school has achieved this position.

The Chief Minister of Punjab has decided to shift schools to solar energy to protect the education system from being disrupted because of the energy crisis. The school education department has started assembling the lists. In the beginning, 2100 schools will be shifted to solar energy.

School Education Department Punjab has Made Process of Transfer Difficult

After uplifting the ban on transfers, schools education department has made the transfer process very difficult. Teachers who want to get transferred first have to obtain 3 page forms, and fill in detailed personal and academic information and several certificates.

Secretary of Schools Punjab restricted the single or doubles teachers transfer. In those schools where there will be one or two teachers they cannot give application for transfer. This restriction is for the teachers of primary schools as well.

Topics Related To Abdul Sattar Edhi’s Life And Services Will Be Added In 2017 Education Session

Punjab Text Book Board decided to add topics related to life of Abdul Sattar Edhi in the text books of primary and secondary classes. The work to set the syllabus has started though final approval will be given from Board of Governor. In Urdu book of 3rd class a story related to Abdul Sattar Edhi’s services is already included.

Many schools in Multan denied Government orders and decided to open schools from tomorrow. Schools were open in summers but on education department and districts managements’ involvement schools were again closed. Now again against government’s notification instead of 15th August Schools will be open from tomorrow.

Zaid Bin Maqsood said Targets of Education Program by Chief Minister will be Achieved

DCO Zaid Bin Maqsood said we will dedicate our services to achieve the targets of the road map program by Chief Minister. He said provision of better services can increase the literacy ratio and standard of education. The DCO also reviewed the attendance of teachers in school, education facilities, additional build-up and performances of education officers.

Pindi Ghaib Students Excel in the Matriculation and Intermediate Examination

Students from various schools of Pindi Ghaib have shown extraordinary performance in their matriculation and intermediate examinations. The parents of the children and the local elders have congratulated the principal and school staff for their hard work.

Admissions in Punjab Colleges are in Process in Hundreds of Cities in Punjab

After matric results of all boards of Punjab, a large number of students have started turning toward Punjab College campuses for admissions. According to the views of students and their parents, Punjab Colleges are their priority as their standard is trusted.

The four-day IEEE COMSOC Summer School Programme 2016, organized by Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS), UET in collaboration with IEEE UET Lahore, IEEE COMSOC Lahore Section, and IEEE Punjab University concluded on Sunday. The first two days of the programme were held at the Punjab University while the KICS-UET hosted the remaining programme.

Lahore Women University students of Pharmacy 4th year conducted exhibition of art work of the women from Punjab University. This exhibition was conducted under the citizenship program project of British Council. Students from Multan also participated. The exhibition was appreciated by audience.

After final semester examinations in Zakariya University, summer vacations have been given again, which will remain until 14th August 2016. Zakariya University was opened for final semester exams during summer vacations.

Administration of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) has announced the admission for Bachelors and Masters programmes for 2016 in various disciplines. According to a FJWU spokesman, the last date for admission form submission would be September 2, while National Testing Service (NTS) NAT I and II will be valid for Bachelors and Masters programmes respectively.

Internship program which was started under National Transmission and Dispatch Company, limited to thirty universities from all over the country, ended today. It was started 6 weeks back to teach corporate social responsibility. The certificate distribution ceremony was held at WAPDA House and the chief guest was managing director of NTDC Dr.Fayyaz Ahmed Chaudhary.

Our Country Cannot Move Forward without the Provision of Education, Asif Mehboob

Chairman of Sectoral group of schools Asif Mehboob said in a speech that our country cannot progress without provision of education. To compete with other developed countries we have to move forward in the field of information technology.

According to an announcement of Secondary Education Board Karachi, those students who appeared in 9th class final and supplement exams but have not submitted their enrolment forms now have the opportunity to submit their forms with late fees from 1 August 2016 to 30th September 2016.

Vice principal of Pak-Turk school Jamshoro has said in a press conference that there are 6 branches of Pak-Turk schools in all over Sindh, which are providing international level education to students and staff members. Parents fear of the closing of the schools and have appealed to the Sindh government to announce that these schools will not be closed.

A large number of students and their parents protested the closure of Pak-Turk School in Khairpur outside the school building on Saturday. The students were carrying placards inscribed with slogans in favour of Pak-Turk School. The protesters expressed their solidarity with the school’s management and vowed to put up resistance against the closure of the school.

In a city where most good schools are located in the well-to-do neighbourhoods of Defence and Clifton, a new trend has started under which entrepreneurs and educationists are getting together to open good quality schools in District Central. Up until now, parents who wanted to give their children good quality education were forced to admit them in schools that were several kilometres away.

Employs of Benazir Bhutto University ended their protest when the Vice Chancellor of the university assured them that their legitimate demands would be fulfilled. Professor Doctor Akhter Baloch said that the university administration has always supported all the legal demands of the employees.

Students of the University of Karachi (KU), at a demonstration organised by the National Students Federation (NSF) on Friday, demanded an immediate withdrawal of the 70 percent increase in the semester fee. However, soon after the students reached the administration block, they were warned to call it off by members of the Islami Jamiat-e-Talba (IJT).

University Of Karachi, Workshop on Physical Education and Sports Sciences

University of Karachi Head of Department of health, physical education and sports science Dr. Basit Ansari said that to prevent sports injuries it has become essential to apply modern taping method, and for this purpose the health department of University of Karachi has organized a training program.

University Of Karachi, Admission Lists Issued For Masters And Diploma Programs

According to an announcement from admission director of University of Karachi Dr. Khalid Iraqi, the admission merit list has been issued for evening masters and diploma programs (2016-17 session). Those students whose names are in the lists can submit their admission fees from 3 to 9 august 2016.

A student of Urdu University has been caught cheating during an exam. The student was affiliated with a teacher with whose help he was cheating in the M.Phil. Examination, but was caught by the controller exanimation with cheating material.

With the aim of providing better practical experiences for students enrolled at NED University, a former student of petroleum engineering department (PED), Mohsin Yousufi, who is now a lecturer at the department, has set up a media laboratory for Virtual Reality (VR) and for working on diversified engineering projects, called ‘The Grid’.

A Summer School that is Reaching Out to the Marginalized by Alveena Jadoon

I recently got to know this amazing bunch of people, who are dedicated towards the improvement of our society. The Democratic Student’s Alliance (DSA), I am sure many of you know them and follow them diligently (In case, you don’t. You must!), is a student organization and they have started a free summer school for the children of Joseph Colony.

Your editorial (‘Reshaping education’, July 28) rightly identifies the significant support that the British people, through the Department for International Development, are giving to education in Pakistan. You are right to highlight the 5,000 classrooms we are aiming to build, but that is the tip of an important iceberg — and in fact, our education programme in Pakistan is Britain’s biggest aid programme anywhere in the world.